Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Lavina Skincare Barbary Fig Seed Oil & Argan Oil: Review

Disclaimer: Products featured were provided for review.
Happy Tuesday! I have a couple of skincare products from a Canadian company called Lavina to share with you! Based in Toronto, Lavina specializes in making organic and cruelty-free beauty oils and today I will be talking about the Barbary Fig Seed Oil ($29.99 for 10ml) and the Argan Oil ($19.99 for 30ml). To read more, click......Barbary Fig Seed Oil Hydrating Facial Serum:What it is:
-100% pure and organic barbary seed oil extracted from prickly pear cactus
-Contains high amounts of linoleic acid and vitamin E
-Diminishes signs of aging, hydrates skin and stimulates healthy cell renewal
-Works well with wrinkles, rosacea, and sunburns

Packaging:
The oil comes in a small glass vial equipped with a roller ball applicator, perfect for usage around the eyes. The vial also comes with a super fancy cylindrical cardboard box that makes it great for gifting.

Formulation & Result:
The Barbary Fig Seed oil has a medium to light texture. One of the most distinct thing about this oil is its smell; I wouldn't say it's unpleasant but the smell reminds me of a mixture of sun-dried tomatoes and sesame oil, delicious but not necessarily something I'd love on my face. I have very oily skin and I found this oil to be a bit heavy. I apply a minimum amount on my face an hour before bed and by the time I go to bed, I can still feel a lot of unabsorbed product. The oil makes the skin look and feel very healthy and supple in the morning but it does feel greasy on the face.

Packaging:
The argan oil comes in a glass bottle and conveniently dispenses from a glass dropper.

Formulation & Result:
For those that have never tried 100% pure argan oil before, it is described as a "dry oil". To me though, I find the oil to be quite heavy. Whenever I use it in my hair (just the smallest amount), my hair becomes very heavy and greasy. And the same pretty much happens when I use it on my face. However, I have found that argan oil does wonders to the nails and cuticles! I use it pretty much everyday and my cuticles end up looking super hydrated and conditioned.

Overall:
I think when it comes to beauty oils, my experience differs quite a bit from that of most people. I think the oiliness of my skin makes it hard for other oils to effectively absorb so I often end up feeling greasy and yucky. But I think for those with normal to dry skin these oils can really do wonders given the incredible amount of antioxidants and other nourishing ingredients they contain.

Availability:
Lavina products are currently available online. Shipping is free within Canada and US!